how did you decide?

[eestison]

hi all

thought i would kill some time today - first day off in a nearly 2 months... so i went to VW and test drove a GT TDI, a GTI, and an R32. all were DSG models.

the sales guy was really good (uncommon), and genuine in his manner... and let me push all three cars.

the GT TDI is ligt years ahead of my current 2.0 TDI. Very snappy response, handling is improved, sounds alright as well. It is a great car, and it still maintains good economy. i am a diesel geek at heart, guilty as charged. haha

the GTI was a real blast, noted were the perfectly synchronized blips of the throttle - a nice touch. the acceleration and the sound alone are strong selling points. the urgent rasp of the two litre turbo is certainly a good thing.

but i can't wipe the smile off my face for the R32. it is intoxicating, the v6 sound, the acceleration, the handling/awd, etc etc. everything about this car, damn it's good.

so, what am i buying?? ultimately the car (in all reality) will be a weekend driver, so economy is not such a selling point... but the TDI is such a good car/improved remarkably. the GTI is awesome - an excellent package, supreme value for fun. the R32 is an ~11k premium over the GTI (at the spec i want), but is so tempting all the same. the stupid grin i am wearing is something i have not had reason for in a while.

i intend to take the offered opportunities for further test drives, making a purchase within the next four months... the decision is a hard one.

how did those with a GT TDI, GTI, or R32 make their mind up? What was your tipping point? what inspired or directed your choices? what made the model you chose stand out above all others?

thanks

[99gti]

If it were in my budget an R32 FTW!

Gti is nothing to laugh about though. Nor is the GT tgi. et the GT tdi chipped and love the torque. Not sure how it'd go against the gti, but it would be an awesome package IMO.

[fasti06]

That would be an easy choice for me. If it came down to one of the three mentioned then thw AWD R32 wins hands down.

[Tim]

I went the GTI cos it ticked all my boxes.
To me it was just a bit more frisky to drive than the R32. I love my V6 golfs. But yeah. The GTI just had more of an edgy feel to it. Maybe its cos it has less grip? i dunno.

[THE KOP]

I opted for the GTI mainly because of the 11k premium for the R32. I couldn't really justify the extra 11k when the GTI in itself is a brilliant car. Don't get me wrong though, absolutely loved the R32 (except for the tacky spun metal inserts inside, that's a big turn off). Not fussed on the front grill either but the noise and the 4 wheel drive were spot on. If I could afford two cars, I'd have them both. I was really close to getting the R32 but in the end I just felt myself always pulling towards the GTI for some reason. Haven't looked back either. The wheels on the 07 R32 were awesome. Not fussed on the 08 wheels at all though.

[GermanwithaVdub]

if the budget is making you hurt, you could always consider a second hand v6 4motion bora. its got essentially the same engine and drivetrain as the r32. you could have that for 25, few grand for suspension, 5 grand for mods and youd have a faster-than-r32 bora for half the money. but obviously it'll never be an r32. the gt sport tdi is great too

[Logzy]

The decision was relativley easy for me. I wanted a turbo diesel.
Got a diesel fetish at the moment that had to be fulfilled.

[REDMKVGTI]

GTI just did it for me.

[Mr R32]

Test drove both and picked the R32. That sound and grip - Its the full monty.

[bailey78]

R32

Coming from a FWD car, my "must have's" included:

- AWD (Front axle tramp on inner Melb streets gave me the sh*ts! - tramlines etc.)
- plenty of head room with optioned sunroof (i'm 6ft5)
- powerful engine
- 6pd Manual
- strong resale (I was raped - big time - when I sold my last car)
- a nice comfy interior
- something unique that you wouldn't see 5 of every day on the road.

The R32 fitted that brief perfectly.

Price wasn't really a factor in choosing the R32 over the loaded GTI. I have mine setup as a lease that is changed over after 3 years. Managed to get all of my options - driveaway - for under 56K!

[Splashalot]

Couldn't be happier with our GTI - fantastic blend of comfort, performance and economy. However, whenever I hear an R32 drive by I get a faint feeling of envy and regret.

If I were doing it again I'd definitely stump-up for the R32's sound & AWD.

However, we all have different priorities....

SS

[Pharkus]

R32!

For me the decision was based upon getting the GTi up to the spec of the R32. The price isn't all that much difference there.

Once you take it for a drive the grip of the 4wd is awesome. You won't go back. I catch public transport everyday to work, so the 32 acts as a weekend car. Gives you something to look forward to =)

In my opinion its the all round package and ticked almost all my boxes. The only one that wasn't ticked was red leather interior.....I have this thing for red...it goes quicker.

[dodgeGTI]

Price wasn't really a factor in choosing the R32 over the loaded GTI. I have mine setup as a lease that is changed over after 3 years. Managed to get all of my options - driveaway - for under 56K!

Under 56k drive away? That price is below the VW Corporate Plus Option offered to companies who purchase multiple fleet vehicles.

Have you got a fleet?

[Pharkus]

I forgot to mention too. STOCK!

When you buy an R32 it's the whole package and there's nothing much more that you need to do with it.

Wheels could be an option but that wouldn't be a factor to make or break purchasing one =)

[bailey78]

Under 56k drive away? That price is below the VW Corporate Plus Option offered to companies who purchase multiple fleet vehicles.

Have you got a fleet?

Hi mate - yes - arranged under the VW corporate agreement. South Yarra and Barloworld gave me a quote of 56400 or so (contract is filed at home) - and then it was bettered by Essendon Volkswagen.

My other half just ordered an S3 and got it for 62.5k on the road with sunroof, cd changer, sports steering wheel, compartment option, pearl effect paintwork. We had a quote a few weeks ago as "weekend walk-ins" and a sales lady quoted us 78k drive away for the same car!

Amazing the savings you can get by going fleet. (If its available that is!)